Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) has been studied for its potential to reduce certain chemotherapy-induced side effects, particularly chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a painful and disabling nerve disorder. The rationale is based on Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties, which may protect nerves from oxidative damage caused by chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin and paclitaxel. Several small randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have examined this use. For example, a 2017 meta-analysis (Jin et al., Support Care Cancer) found that Vitamin E supplementation was associated with a reduced incidence and severity of CIPN; however, the studies included were small and sometimes methodologically weak. Some guidelines, such as those from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), conclude that evidence is insufficient to recommend Vitamin E routinely due to inconsistent results and concern about possible interference with chemotherapy efficacy. There is also some preliminary evidence for Vitamin E in reducing oral mucositis and other oxidative stress-related side effects, but findings are inconsistent and not robust. Overall, while there is some scientific evidence supporting Vitamin E’s use to lessen certain chemotherapy-related side effects, particularly neuropathy, the quality and consistency of evidence are limited, and routine use is not widely recommended by major cancer organizations.

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